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Canadore launches Clean Water Initiative

A Water Teaching Lodge is now officially open at Canadore College. 

Officials say the lodge is an essential part of the college’s Clean Water Initiative and helping Canadore to address systemic issues and challenges that Indigenous communities encounter in delivering clean drinking water. 

“The Water Teaching Lodge will provide space for our students and community members to access Indigenous knowledge and participate in ceremony,” said Judy Manitowabi, Director, First Peoples’ Centre.  “The opportunity to learn and share stories with a focus on the significance of water will remain a priority.  Water is life, and is a living being with its own spirit and must be respected.”  

Carly Renaud, Manager, Indigenous Research and Development says the Lodge will support learning that explores Indigenous teachings, technologies, and land-based research practices relating to water protection. 

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“Indigenous knowledge holders, language speakers, elders, and Indigenous research faculty who can offer foundational cultural and historical knowledge will guide this work,” says Renaud. 

The college says the Lodge and the construction of an operational water treatment facility on campus will provide a new approach to clean water and technology that prioritizes Indigenous teachings about water. 

Shawn Chorney, Vice President, Strategic Infrastructure, Indigenous and Learner Services says the Lodge is a collaboration between Canadore and the private sector to be a catalyst for change. 

“We need to offer new, custom solutions for water so we’re not perpetuating existing challenges,” he says. 

The Water Teaching Lodge, which is located at Canadore’s College Drive Campus, has been given the Anishinaabemowin name of Mshibizhiwgamig, which means Great Lynx Lodge. 

Officials say Mshibizhiw, the Great Lynx, is a water protection spirit who lives in lakes and underground rivers and is greatly respected because it provides medicine and protection.

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